Five Surprising Scams That Target Senior Citizens

You’ve seen the IRS/FBI/DMV scam listed in papers and online news sites. You’ve probably heard about lottery and grandparent scams, too. These are common. But, what about scams that don’t get as much attention? How many of these have you informed your parents of?

Home Care in Sebastopol CA: Scams That Target Seniors

Deceased Owed Debt Scams.

After a family member dies, your parents might find a stranger showing up at the funeral or memorial service. The stranger announces the deceased owed them money. People often fall for this scam.

What happens is that the scammer reads obituaries and goes to services. The plan is to convince the widow/widower or remaining heirs that money was owed. There’s no proof either way. Some people are so busy grieving that they don’t take the time to really think about it.

Discount Prescription Medication Scams.

There are a couple of different prescription medication scams. One involves offers to help a senior save a lot of money on prescriptions. The site discounts all medications. Once the senior completes the transaction, the scammer sends nothing or sends a placebo that can put the senior citizen’s health at risk.

Illegal Prescription Scam.

Another prescription medication scam recently targeted an older woman. She got a call from the DEA that some prescription painkillers were seized. Her name was on the package. If she wants to avoid jail, she’ll pay the DEA’s fine immediately. The agency would work with her to clear up the misunderstanding in the meantime.

Each week, he’d call back giving her an update and requesting more money. She continued to believe him because he insisted she’d get her money back when the case was over. She needed to keep her receipts for that reason.

Violent Call Scams.

This one often targets seniors. When the senior answers the phone, the person on the other end is outraged and threatening to harm or kill someone that’s been abducted or is being held captive for whatever reason. Sounds of violence follow. To save a person’s life, the person must immediately pay a ransom.

You’re Not Dead Scams.

Another scam involving death targets victims via email. The sender poses as an official from some legitimate agency. They say a person has filed a death notice in your name. To fix that issue, money must be wired or personal information must be shared to prove you’re alive and well.

Seniors are often targets of scams because they’re willing to stay on the line. If a senior has no one to talk to, loneliness sets in. Callers prey on a senior’s need to socialize.

To keep your parent from falling for a scam, talk about the many kinds of scams regularly. Discuss the importance of never sending money without having you look it over and give input into the validity. Make sure your parent socializes often.

Home care agencies help with socialization. Caregivers come to your parent’s house and keep them company. They also help with household chores. Call us today to find out more.

In 1988, after working as a clinical nurse in the University Health System at UC San Francisco, Lucy Andrews started understanding home care.

She became a discharge planner and immediately fell in love with the concept of home care and the autonomous clinical practice it affords nurses. Dr. Lucy was hooked and has been a strong supporter of home care ever since.Believing people need advocates in healthcare systems, she has championed that cause across the acute care and post-acute care setting.

Dr. Lucy has worked in every aspect of home care from Medicare Certified, DME, Infusion, Hospice and finally Private Duty/Private Pay services. She also works as a home care consultant across the country and as a legal nurse consultant for the home care industry.

Having worked in all areas of home care, Dr. Lucy has a well-rounded perspective of the challenges facing patients, families and the home care industry, and as a provider she advocates for patients through the maze of health care services. Dr. Lucy celebrated over 37 years as a nurse and patient advocate.

Dr. Lucy has a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois.In 1994, she received her Masters of Science in Health Service Administration from St. Mary's University, Moraga, California. Dr. Lucy received her Doctor of Nursing Practice awarded in 2016, graduating with Distinction and a 4.0 GPA.

She did her doctoral work on the global dementia crisis, aging and prevention strategies for healthy living. Developed dementia and Alzheimer's disease plans for aging patients leaving the hospital setting or entering long-term care or home health and hospice environments. She also developed a specialized program for those at risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

In 1992, Dr. Lucy was designated CAHSAH Certified Home Care Administrator in the inaugural offering of this designation through the California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).

She is the founder and CEO of Creative Solutions Home Care Consulting Services and At Your Service Nursing & Home Care, a concierge nursing & home care agency that provides the services she believes are essential for seniors to age in place.She offers a higher level of care allowing people to be in their own homes with an emphasis on independence, safety, and quality of life.

Dr. Lucy is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) and sits on the Board of Directors for California Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH).

She has served on the boards for both state and national board associations, and is currently on the following boards and committees: Board of Directors, California State Association for Health Services at Home (CAHSAH), 2002-present, National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC's) Private Duty Home Care Association Director, and multiple state and national home care committees.

Dr. Lucy goes to Washington, DC, several times a year to advocate for senior services and home care issues. She was past Commissioner for the Sonoma Commission on Human Rights.She is past chair of the local Senior Advocacy Services.